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Post by Deleted on Dec 17, 2011 1:50:18 GMT -5
I don't have nearly the experience you do with ferrets. I was just noting what I have observed with Artie. My 6 mo old sweetie. He likes to play, but although we do have our toothy wrestling matches, (yes he can draw blood), if I pull in an alternative, then that is what he chooses to wrestle with, or he decides not to play. I dealt with the attack on the feet for a while, (he got a couple of good shots in) but thick woolen socks helped me out and then we just worked it out so he rarely bites them. When he does it is more a request to play. Then I get down and we wrestle a bit, or not. He is so smart that the tone of voice is sufficient for a reaction. He knows by my voice when it hurts, and I try to make sure he doesn't get a good hold on a fleshy part. We are still working the rules out.
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Post by Heather on Dec 17, 2011 13:05:14 GMT -5
A six month old kit who's never known anything but love is much more compliant and willing to listen than even a 18 month old fuzz who's been thrown against a wall or two. That may sound extreme but that was how Porthos was disciplined for biting his owner at 4 months of age. I got him at 9 months. He was on deaths door but he still bit the shelter admin so bad that it took them 10 min to extricate his teeth from her thumbnail. Many have been slapped, struck, starved and abused in manners we can't even imagine and are much more willing to sink their teeth into you hard than they are to take another strike. It takes them a long time to trust, if ever. Fun-Go, my one boy took 2 years before we could safely pick him up. He will allow me anything now. I can snuggle him, skritch his fat belly anything. It wasn't until I took him to the vet that I realized he still didn't trust me that much.... ciao
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Post by Deleted on Jan 2, 2012 2:34:11 GMT -5
Ok, my last post was pretty goofy in a lot of ways. To recant: Although we are the bigger predator, we are trying to bond with our little fuzzy guys and make them family. Heather had some video grooming advice that helped me figure that out. Yes, I am SUCH a geek. Showing them luvs works, but apparently it has to be luvs that ferrets understand. My fuzzbutt still bites, but it has been much less and not as deep, unless I scared/frightened him. Then he lets me know. Very simple, very direct. I started using a glove to play wrestle but that is not fun for either of us. I use a stuffed toy to play but, there is a video with a stuffed fluffy animal on a string and stick that a fuzzy was having a wonderful time with. I used that and it is very much fun for both of us. I am going to try some of the luvs and massages that have been suggested here. Artie is very, very sweet, but I think he could have more fun here still. Thanks everyone. You have helped so much.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 2, 2012 2:37:59 GMT -5
The things people do to animals. Everytime I read of some terrible thing some idiot did, I cringe. These little fuzzy guys are so delicate and sensitive. I just feel like trying to keep them all safe.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 13, 2012 5:41:00 GMT -5
Thank you for the bite hold information. I have started the process, but it's difficult b/c I still want to rough play sometimes and know that would ruin the process. I will probably end up getting him a buddy for companionship so he can really play and I can clean.
Have they ever tried to do the run and jump on your leg, then can't hang on? It's soooo cute, but I think I wish he could hold on, if only to see him succeed at the maneuver.
I feel badly for Porthos. good job Heather.
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Post by Heather on Jan 13, 2012 11:25:45 GMT -5
That's a ferret sneak attack ;D ;D and no you don't want them to hang on. I've had my knees bitten, that's a really tender spot right behind the knee Minion has managed to catch me a few times. I'm glad that you're seeing progress ciao
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Post by Deleted on Jan 16, 2012 1:34:06 GMT -5
The sneak attack and slide down the leg is so Wylie E. Coyote, and to make it funnier, he has this happy smile on his face when he charges up and takes that flying leap. So hard to resist.
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